Summer 2014 - St. Rita School for the Deaf
Transcription
Summer 2014 - St. Rita School for the Deaf
SUMMER 2014 IN THIS ISSUE: 2 2 3 4 5 6 Dear Friends Hollaender Manufacturing gives back Brothers overcoming challenges St. Rita Fest St. Rita Seniors complete graduation ceremony Memorial Program Did You Know?… St. Rita offers both educational and socialization programs to meet the needs of Teaching a future teacher each and every child to prepare them for a full life. We are one of very few schools in the country that has programs specifically designed for children with Apraxia — a speech challenge where an individual can hear, but has trouble saying Did You Know? continued on page 5 When Kahri was born prematurely, she “I’ve realized now that there is spent two months in the NICU and failed help and hope to overcome the hearing test. the obstacles we face.” “I was in denial and shocked when I got the initial call from the infant hearing program,” said Kahri’s mom, Tori. “It Greg Ernst, St. Rita School’s Executive took me a while to accept her hearing Director, told her not to worry about loss and make it a part of my life. I had the cost. He explained to her that their to realize that all hope wasn’t lost. After mission is to ensure that all children talking to doctors and finding out our who have a need for special commuoptions, and the resources available, I’ve nication in their education can attend realized now that there is help and hope school here regardless of what she to overcome the obstacles we face.” could pay. It wasn’t an easy process for Tori to “When we visited St. Rita School, enroll Kahri at St. Rita School. She beshe automatically fit in,” said Tori. lieved it was the right place for Kahri and “The teachers used sign and voice and didn’t stop at any obstacle, even after that was important to me because I she lost the court hearing with the public wanted her to have full communication. Future teacher continued on page 5 school system. She was reassured when DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR. 1 Dear Friends, Despite how long the winter and rainy seasons may seem, graduation always sneaks up on me. It is amazing how time flies by when you realize you will be handing a stu- dent their diploma. It seems like just yesterday that these students were coming through our doors for the first time. Shy, timid, and frustrated children, whose parents longed for the day when their children could run into their arms and have the ability to tell them all about their day. These, now young adults, once had little or no communication. They had no way to say “I love you” to their families and no way to communicate desires, fears, or joy. Trapped in their own mind they watched the world go by without them. The dedication of our teachers, alongside the parents who would not give up, has brought out tremendously talented, energetic, and passionate young men and women who will change their world. We will be sending off future teachers, business people, humanitarians, and so the lists goes on. All of these students are going to fulfill their dreams and it is because of you. The generosity and hope you have shown these students year after year has made an undeniable impact. You have been the backbone of this school, allowing these precious children to become men and women who, take my word, will not let you down. Please consider continuing to invest in the lives of our students to change the world one child at a time. May God continue to bless you and yours, Gregory Ernst, Executive Director Hollaender Manufacturing gives back Rob Hollaender, owner of Hollaender Manufacturing, partnered with us to lead a Community Challenge. Hollaender Manufacturing gave the opportunity to make your gift go twice as far by matching every gift made up to $35,000. Rob has known Petey’s family for years. Petey, a St. Rita School student is affected by Apraxia and has been at St. Rita for 40% of our students live below the poverty line and every dollar donated to St. Rita goes to tuition assistance. the past three years. Petey began to communicate with sign language, but now has advanced even further. Rob has observed the transformation. “Petey went from not saying anything to becoming a chatterbox — 2 and it’s great.” He said. Rob wanted to share Petey’s accomplishments with the community and generate awareness and funds so that we can continue providing the resources to help children and families like Petey’s celebrate and create milestones. We are so grateful to Rob and everyone who contributed, because we met our goal and that will help us continue to ensure that every child at St. Rita receives the help and quality education they deserve, regardless of a family’s ability to pay. 40% of our students live below the poverty line and every dollar donated to St. Rita goes to tuition assistance. Thanks Hollaender continued on page 5 St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Summer 2014 Brothers overcoming challenges When Jessica’s son, Nate, was 18 months old he didn’t have much verbal language so she started him in a speech program. Soon after, he was diagnosed with Apraxia and Jessica learned about St. Rita School. “After our first visit, I walked out in the parking lot and cried,” said Jessica. “It wasn’t what we expected and I was overwhelmed. Once we got there and saw how amazing the school was, it was clear in the first month it was where Nate needed to be.” Even though the school was a 40 minute drive, Jessica knew it would be the best place for Nate. “The biggest thing was that socially there were a lot of challenges for him, but he began to be so expressive and now has a great demeanor.” said Jessica. “St. Rita School truly welcomed him. He had a whole group of friends that accepted him and looked at him as a whole person. Everyone welcomed our family and knew what we were going through.” Now, in the third grade, Nate is getting straight A’s in his class at a mainstream school. “He was ready to be in a typical environment and to be challenged in that way,” said Jessica. “He overcame a lot and that has to do with St. Rita School and how well rounded the program is.” “Nate loves to play soccer, basketball and baseball, but he is also very creative and “It is such a wonderful, welcoming, and just amazing and supportive atmosphere. From administration to cafeteria, it’s the people that make the place so nurturing.” enjoys cooking, pottery, and arts and crafts. He is our family clown with a great sense of humor.” The success that Jessica found in Nate’s experience at St. Rita School gave her great comfort when her youngest son, Sam, started showing signs of Apraxia. With no formal diagnosis, Jessica enrolled Sam in the LOFT program and has seen great improvement in Sam as well. “It is such a wonderful, welcoming, and just amazing and supportive atmosphere,” said Jessica. “From administration to cafeteria, it’s the people that make the place so nurturing. It’s because of that, the outcome for my kids has been so positive. It is scary in those early stages and I didn’t know there could be that much hope and positivity. Without it we wouldn’t have had so many opportunities for our kids.” DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR. 3 4 St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Summer 2014 Did You Know? continued from page 1 what he or she wants to say correctly and consistently. It is difficult for families to recognize whether or not their child has Apraxia and it causes much heartbreak as they watch their child struggle to communicate, without understanding what’s wrong. Our program has not only helped children find their voice, but has given families the absolute joy of hearing their child say precious words that most of us take for granted. Words like, “I love you.” St. Rita Seniors completed their graduation ceremony Decked out in their green and gold caps and gowns, without a dry eye in the building, they said a final goodbye to their high school years and with the encouragement of a stirring speech from fellow graduate, Danielle Ventus, they began the next steps in their unique and individual life journeys. We are very proud of our graduates this year! Each one of them has a plan in place for moving forward in either a career or furthering their education. This is an exciting time in their lives, and they are embracing it wholeheartedly! Congratulations to Shane Turner, Shane Yancey, Danielle Ventus, Zachary Swafford, Kameron Evans and Tynessia Berry! We wish you all the very best and hope you will come back and visit your St Rita family. We will miss your smiles, your energy and your effervescent presence here at St Rita School, but we know you will go on to touch other lives as you have touched ours, and make this world a better place for all of us! Hollaender continued from page 2 to our hero Rob and everyone else who gave, all our children will have a voice, and know that the community cares for them and is rooting for them to succeed. If your company would like to do something similar and make a difference in the lives of our children, please contact Julie O’Meara 513-205-0918 or jomeara@srsdeaf.org for more information. Future teacher continued from page 1 When we left that first day, Kahri cried and didn’t want to go home.” Kahri was enrolled at 3 years of age and now, five years later, she is speaking, outgoing, and loves school. “Without St. Rita School she would have missed out on a lot,” said Tori. “In mainstream schools, she could have had interpreters, but I felt that would put her in seclusion and she wouldn’t actually interact with other children, and she wouldn’t be learning.” “Unlike other schools, St. Rita School also teaches everyday life skills. I know she is getting a great education and that she will be able to read and write, but she can also take care of her daily needs. At St. Rita School children can go after their dreams. There are plenty of people to welcome them with open arms to help them learn and succeed. I’m looking forward to her going to college one day. She wants to be a teacher and wants to work at St. Rita School.” DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR. 5 Memorial Program Looking for a way to honor someone who has everything? Celebrate a special occasion, say thank you or remember an important person in your life by making a gift to St. Rita School for the Deaf in his or her name. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays take on a new meaning when your gift brings help and hope to families who are struggling with their child’s special needs. Remembering those who have touched your life in a special way can comfort and console loved ones while also helping children to succeed in their lives. People enrolled in the Memorial Program as well as the donor, are remembered at a special Mass and daily in the prayers of our students and staff. If you are interested in participating in the Memorial Program, please call 513-771-7600. At the time of this publishing deadline, only 3 months of memorials were available. For a complete listing of our memorials visit www.srsdeaf.org. February Anniversary of Death Martha Gross Ms. Helen Koch Mary Eileen Gutman Mr. James Gutman David Hartman Ms. Jean M. Hartman Birthday Greetings Luther Black Loyal Christian Benefit Association James Kauffeld Mr. and Mrs. Mark Liegel 90th Birthday — William M. Nelson Dain and Ginny Beemer Birthday Remembrance 90th Birthday — Juanita Cooper Father Ronald C. Cooper David Hartman Ms. Jean M. Hartman Irene Kuehnle Bonnie Hehn Geraldine A. Ullett Marian J. Schroer Mrs. Marian J. Schroer St. Rita School for the Deaf The Risley Family 65th Wedding Anniversary Larry and Carol Schweer Mrs. Clarita A. Gindele Steven Dine Mr. William J. Petrie Gary V. Thornton Mrs. Patricia Logan In Memory of Todd Allgyer Mr. Donald L. Allgyer Trinidad Avalos Skip and Karen Threm John Bahorski Mrs. Jennie M. Buchalski Ruth M. Baum Mr. Richard Newsom Mrs. Jo Zeilman Carol Baumgardner Mrs. Theresa E. Munafo Henry and Dorothy Bender Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Bender Mary A. Besel Mr. and Mrs. Joe Appelmann Gabby Bowling Mrs. Bette A. Vorbroker Lillian Bufka Bill and Donna Carraher Get Well Wishes for Jeanne Burdick Mr. Larry A. Burdick Patricia Cowhey William J. Carraher Earl Burger Mr. Ronald Schutte Joyce McQuesten Mrs. Eckhardt Jack Charles A.O.H. County Board St. Patrick Ancient Order of Hibernians In Honor of St. Rita Ms. Anne Berwanger Mr. and Mrs. Frazier Huddleston Mr. and Mrs. Michael T. Muehlenkamp 6 Jeff Conner Mrs. Margaret M. Wais Ms. Pat Wood Mary Croweak George and Janet Benhase Earl E. Daniels M. Gertrude Dutle Skip and Karen Threm Margaret A. Eichel St. Rita School for the Deaf Mr. and Mrs. Kevin L. Bicking Mrs. Joan M. Crable and Family Mr. and Mrs. Charles Eichel Mrs. Christine B. Hall George and Kathleen Hoyng Ms. Ewa Jacewicz Mr. Joshua Komives Mrs. Kathleen W. Matt Ms. Laura (Ens) Merlini Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Morrisey Mrs. Saundra L. Seger Joan and Marvin Silverman Sullivan Family Mr. and Mrs. Charles Taylor Mr. and Mrs. Joseph F. Wade Ms. Julie A. Weaver Mr. and Mrs. Bill Whalen Dorothy Enderle Mrs. Marie Schlewinsky Reese Fair Mr. and Mrs. John E. Ruthven Ann Gamel-Fitzpatric Mr. and Mrs. G Michael Cappel Edith Heaton Grainger Matching Charitable Gifts Program Mr. James L. Applegate and Family Mike and Karen Geygan Mr. Barry Kerber Mr. and Mrs. Glenn F. Knight Irma and Charles Koller Bill and Judy Kramer Mrs. Grace L. Sanders Ms. Lenora M. Schroth Bert Seuberling Ben Hemmelgarn Mr. and Mrs. Harold H. Heuker Mary Huelskamp Robert Hengehold Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Norris Virginia (Ginny) Heyob Mrs. Rita Mahoney Norm Hoyer Ms. Mary Lou Ficker Mary Ann Huss Mr. and Ms. James E. Gase and Family Ruth B. Irwin Dain and Ginny Beemer Bob Kaelin Mr. John T. Noonan Ron Koch Ms. Helen Koch David L. Koons Mr. and Ms. James E. Gase and Family Mrs. Mary M. Theobald Conrad Neumann Dennis and Marguerite Connor Sue Norton Ms. Helen D. Pater Eileen C. Paff Ms. Mary Ann Vennemeyer Ivan Paul Ms. Rita M. Hauck Bernard L. Rapien Mr. William J. Petrie Hugo D. Rasp Mrs. Phyllis H. Timperman Timothy C. Reinhard Mr. and Ms. James E. Gase and Family Giovanni Rocchio Ms. Anna Maria Rocchio Alfred Schappacher Jerome and Pat Schappacher Lawerence A. Schuck Mrs. Rosemary Schuck Margaret Scott Mrs. Jacquelyn A. Lachowicz Allen Kuhn Ms. Laverne Kuhn Harold Snyder Mr. and Mrs. John O. Hale Estella M. Logsdon Mr. and Ms. James E. Gase and Family Arlyn K. Sorce Mrs. Zella M. Erb Sharon and Leon French Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Kaufman Dollie Lutterbei Mrs. Deborah S. Theve Daniel Mahoney Mrs. Rita Mahoney Beryl McGaw Mr. and Mrs. Gerard Baillely Johnny Meyer Dain and Ginny Beemer Sally Monahan Doug and Kathleen Tucker Gilda Moore Mrs. Marguerite Amatulli Paul Spaccarelli Dennis and Marguerite Connor Alice and Gene Hedges Ronald Teeter Sarah Teeter Joseph Vennemeyer Ms. Mary Ann Vennemeyer Maurice Welsh Mr. and Mrs. Harry B. Roberts and Family St. Rita School for the Deaf • The Silent Advocate • Summer 2014 Dean Wesley Mrs. Joan Freeman William D. Whalen Lill and Helen Pater Angela Wilhelm Mr. and Mrs. Frank Deutsch Dale Williams Mr. and Ms. James E. Gase and Family In Thanksgiving of Greg Cousino Mrs. Sally M. Cousino Wesley Wiser Mrs. Sally M. Cousino March Anniversary of Death Mildred (Mert) Adamson Mrs. Rita Mahoney Marie Alering Mr. and Mrs. Joe Burwinkel Martha Gross Mrs. Rita Mahoney Roy Hater Mrs. Jeanette M. Mather Gemma M. Kaufman Mr. and Mrs. Clark Combs Sister John Michael Geis Ms. Rita Gullette Dr. Kathleen Lamping-Arar Mr. Matthew McClellan Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Nolan Mr. John C. Schleck Mrs. Regina Spears Betty Simpson Mrs. Jeanette M. Mather John Wurzelbacher Joseph and Mary Ann Wurzelbacher Lesley A. Schmidt St. Mary’s Aux. No 346 Daniel R. Vaske St. Mary’s Aux. No 346 Mrs. Barb A. Bronner In Honor of St. Rita Ms. Anne Berwanger St. Anthony Mrs. Jo Ann Ellert In Memory of JoAnn Arens Administration Department — City of Erlanger Ashley Construction Mr. Paul Bogenschutz Ellen Balbach Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls Ruth M. Baum Ms. Dolores Daniel Becky Bemmes Dain and Ginny Beemer Dolores Berling Mr. and Mrs. Donald A. Bellman Tony and Christine Boehmer Mrs. Lucille Schoch Betty Martin Bolon Mr. and Mrs. John C. Boyd Mary Ellen Bosse Joe and Jean Burwinkel Mrs. Evelyn C. Lenhoff Earl E. Daniels Dwight McMullen Lynnea Motter Virgil Luhn Mr. Keith J. Lobring Peter De Nuzio Mr. and Mrs. Joe Appelmann Daniel Mahoney Mrs. Rita Mahoney Janet Drescher Ms. Marlene G. Brokaw Mike McDonough Mr. and Mrs. Richard N. Hiernaux Gene Driscoll Mr. James E. Winter Margaret A. Eichel Ms. Rebecca McCauley Mr. Robert V. Rotterman Dorothy Enderle Mr. Ed L. Enderle Al Feltrup Dennis and Marguerite Connor Bill Mertz Mr. and Mrs. Joe Appelmann Sally Monahan Mrs. Helen Vocke Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Westerkamp Paul Mueller Mrs. Helen R. Stall John T. Neises Mrs. Grace L. Sanders Regina D. Garner Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Winterman Judy O’Bryan Dan and Connie Vonderhaar Carol Geron Lucille Schoch Eileen C. Paff Mrs. Rita Mahoney Robert A. Glassmeyer Mr. and Mrs. James Smith Terrence C. Glenn Mrs. Jeanette M. Mather Crescentia Rahn Ms. Patricia M. Downie Mr. and Mrs. George Ostendorf Edith Heaton Mrs. Kay Schindler John Rea Miss Mary Elizabeth Rea Thomas J. Heintzman Ms. Ruth A. Weisbrod Jack Rowbotham Mr. and Mrs. James J. Betscher Shirley Hooker Mr. James H. Koch Mrs. Shirley M. Schmitz April Anniversary of Death Ron Koch Ms. Helen Koch Herbert Weyer Ken and Paula Parsons Curtis Ruffin Sister John Michael Geis Birthday Greetings 90 Years — William G. Gertz Mr. and Mrs. Norbert J. Weisbrod Birthday Remembrance Paul Groh Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Heintzman George Kuehnle Ms. Geraldine A. Ullett and Ms. Bonnie Hehn Bud Paff Ms. Helen Koch Birthday Remembrance Richard Robinson Mrs. Mildred E. Robinson Gretchen Voisard Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Voisard Get Well Wishes for Barbara A. Bolender St. Mary’s Aux. No 346 Ninfa Moritz Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Osterkamp Robert Nelson Dain and Ginny Beemer In Thanksgiving of Joan M. Bellman Prayers Answered For Jean M. Hartman Ms. Jean M. Hartman Birthday Greetings Elizabeth S. Flynn Mr. and Mrs. Ronald R. Ryerson James Kauffeld Jay and Linda Buchert Easter Remembrance David Hartman Ms. Jean M. Hartman Mr. and Mrs. Otto H. Hermes Lawrence Toole Wm. Kramer & Son, Inc. Mary Sue Velte The Amatulli Family Kevin Walsh Mr. and Mrs. Chris R. Schlachter Leslie A. Walz Mr. and Mrs. Paul D. Walz Barbara Weinberg Mr. James H. Koch Robert Weingartner Thomas and Peggy Horton Bob Zeilman Mrs. Jo Zeilman In Honor of St. Rita Ms. Anne Berwanger Mary Breitfelder Mr. and Mrs. John Theis Terry Brink Dr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Hastings Mildred and Earl Burger Mr. Mark Fluegeman Robert (Bob) Casey Sister John Michael Geis Sister Jane Bernadette Leo Charles F. Curro Charles F. Curro Scholarship Fund Ruth B. Irwin Mr. John H. Schmitz George Jutze Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Beerman Dennis and Marguerite Connor Ms. Pat Wood Gemma M. Kaufman Mrs. Heather Kaufman Jeff Lininger Brad and Trisha Schlachter Joseph Lorenz Francis Satcher Ms. Carol A. Jeannin Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls Rosemary M. Schneider Arlene and George Rohr Roger Schoch Mrs. Lucille Schoch Daniel (Shultz) Shuman Mr. and Mrs. John C. Boyd Joseph H. Sizemore Mrs. Janet Sizemore Donald G. Smith In Memory of Alvin Bittner Mr. and Mrs. Russell W. Kuebel Vincent J. Blessing Mr. and Mrs. Vincent G. Blessing Virginia L. Borgman Mrs. Mildred E. Robinson James Breslin Mrs. Jo Ann Ellert Ms. Pat Wood Penny Burnett Mr. and Mrs. Alexis J. Hannan DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR. 7 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cincinnati, OH Permit No. 797 1720 Glendale Milford Rd. Cincinnati, OH 45215 513.771.7600 www.srsdeaf.org DREAM. ACHIEVE. SOAR. Patricia Cain Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Heintzman Donald Dwire Mr. and Mrs. Richard E. Beerman Christina R. Caudill Ms. Ruth L. Singer Margaret A. Eichel Ohio State University — Dept. Of Speech and Hearing Science Margaret Clark Ms. Marcia O’Toole John Conroy St. Rita School for the Deaf Mr. and Mrs. Tom Auel Joan E. Brassfield Kathleen K. Cianca Carla and Al Eilers Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Heidkamp Mr. and Mrs. Jerome R. Klett Ms. Joanna Lounsbury Debb, Dana, Nina, Robin, Janice, Judy, and Michele Simpson Mr. William L. Stein Mrs. Pam Whalen Bill Davisson Sister John Michael Geis John T. Farrell Susan and Hap Castleberry Robert E. Fast Susan and Hap Castleberry Jason Fischer Skip and Karen Threm James Flynn Mrs. Pamela (Hammer) Friedman Virginia and Gary Olin Paul E. Johantges Herm and Ann Luken Mary Kay Jurgens Marge and Tom O’Meara Sister Clement Marie Foy Alice and Gene Hedges Alan Freeman Ms. Kathy Grott Jean Karanicolas Kurtz St. Rita School for the Deaf — Staff and Students Edith Heaton Grainger Matching Charitable Gifts Program Thomas J. Heintzman Frank and Lee Ramminger Carl T. Dowdy Mr. and Mrs. Milton E. Keifer, Jr. Pauline R. Henke Jim and Janet Ferguson Ms. Nancy L. Henke Albert G. Drees Mrs. Marguerite Gehringer Martha C. Hesselbrock Florence Smith Appelmann George Appelmann Bill and Margie Tenkman 8 Robert J. Hollstegge Quality Mechanicals Inc. St. Rita School for the Deaf Mary Kaup Dick and Pat Kohls Mike and Linda Montgomery John and Margaret Rieger The Roflow Family Elmer F. Koch Ms. Helen Koch William Donato St. Rita School for the Deaf — Staff and Students Verna Dunning Jack and Sylvia Ruthven David Hoffman Dennis and Marquerite Connor Alice and Gene Hedges Michelle (Heitz) Miller St. Rita School for the Deaf — Staff and Students Mr. and Mrs. G Michael Cappel Sister John Michael Geis Mr. and Mrs. John Murphy Sally Monahan Nancy Hiltibrand Al Moore Mrs. Virginia Roy Elizabeth (Elsie) Overberg Mr. and Mrs. Cesare Briccio Mr. Howard M. Paff Bob Peters Mr. and Mrs. Norbert J. Weisbrod Albert Prost Dan and Carole Paff Mr. Howard M. Paff Edward J. Rathman Ms. Pat Wood Ed Rolfert Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Kohls Robert Ruf Mrs. Eileen C. Rebholz Joan Ryba Mark and Pat Ernst Frank E. Sagendorph Ms. Kia B. Vynorius Marianne Schenck Ms. Peggy A. Kenney John Sheehan Ms. Peggy Ann Sheehan Jason G. Simpson St. Rita School for the Deaf Dain and Ginny Beemer Mr. and Mrs. James H. Bittner Mrs. Mary A. Schmidt Genevive Troupis Dr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Hastings Pasqualina M. Turner Marguerite Amatulli and Family Emeline Wine Dr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Hastings Prayers for Don J. Marx John and Maryann Murphy Vincent Schmutte Ms. Shirley Thoney Vera Wolff Safe Trip To and from Afghanistan — Wendy Morrissey Dain and Ginny Beemer Cindy K. Schneider Ms. Deborah M. Skala Special Intention for Albert Schutte Mrs. Rita Engel Mrs. Patricia C. Mechley Michael Sharkey Mr. and Mrs. Eric A. Stieffenhofer St. Anthony Diane Bechtold